What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a common respiratory disorder that can occur to any age. It is usually associated with flues and colds. When the complication is left uncured, this can lead to pneumonia.

Bronchial tubes filter the air before it reaches the lungs, and are covered with hair-like things called cilia. Prolonged exposure to irritants can break the defenses thereby causing infection and inflammation.

If the illness doesn’t improve within a few days, it is best to see a doctor and follow an appropriate treatment. Left untreated, both chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis can lead to serious complications.

Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in successfully reducing the symptoms associated with bronchitis.

Antibiotics are often prescribed to help eliminate infection. Also, inhalers are generally used to help temporary flair-ups such as coughing and wheezing. This can help the patient breathe more comfortably.

Bronchitis Treatment: The Best Way To Improve Your Breathing

There is no "magic pill" that will clear up chronic bronchitis that's caused by an allergy. The ONLY treatment is the removal of the allergen from the living space of the sufferer.

That means that the agent that is causing the allergic bronchitis must be eliminated from the home and from the workplace.

Anyone with acute bronchitis but with no underlying pathology are very much different from patients having COPD.

The latter is usually treated with antibiotics. Since most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viral infections, antibiotic therapy is not recommended. Viral bronchitis is characterized by purulent sputum which definitely indicates that there is no bacterial infection.

With the right supportive care, acute bronchitis will disappear in a maximum period of seven days. If symptoms worsen after seven days, this is still considered as a non-viral course of action, but the patient can already use antibiotics.

There are prescription medications that can help control the symptoms of chronic bronchitis.

There are ten simple steps that you could follow to treat bronchitis successfully.

1. Lessen your exposure to irritants and toxins. Stop smoking and avoid breathing secondhand smoke. Stay inside your house when the presence of air pollution is very high. Wear face masks to keep you protected from harmful chemicals and other irritants.

2. Use vaporizer or humidifier to keep the air moisturized. This will aid in loosening secretions for you to breathe easier.

3. Place a bottle with hot water on your back or chest. A moist, warm cloth can be also utilized. This reduces inflammation and is very useful when applied at night before you sleep.

4. Cover your mouth and nose with your scarf especially when you plan to go out in a cold atmosphere. Keep in mind that cold weather can aggravate bronchitis.

5. Avoid the use of cough suppressants. Coughing is needed to take out secretions. Suppressants can be utilized at night.

6. Take medicines as prescribed. If you take antibiotics to treat bacterial infection, then take its entire dosage. As much as possible complete the entire duration even if you already feel better.

7. Use inhalers and aerosols. Never use larger dosage or frequently use it more than what is directed to prevent side effects.

8. Seek the advice of a general practitioner or naturopathic doctor regarding dietary supplements including echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, colloidal silver, vitamins A and C, and coenzyme Q10.

If you have bronchitis, your doctor will have you uѕе bronchodilators tо clear thе air ways, whісh wіll make breathing easier. Bronchodilators open the airways, and steroid drugshelp to reduce the inflammation. For severe cases, sometimes oxygen therapy is prescribed.

In more severe cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary. The patient may use an oxygen tank to help breathing and respiratory functions. In extreme cases, a lung transplant may be necessary to replace one or both diseased lungs. Because lung transplants require a donor that is matched closely to the patient, these are sometimes difficult to accomplish. There are also risks involved such as rejection of the new lung and reactions to medication.

It is very important to pay attention to bronchitis symptoms. Left untreated, both chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis (when caused by bacteria) can lead to serious complications.

However, any form of self-medication is not advised.

By taking random left-over medicines you can only cause yourself harm. If bronchitis symptoms ease up in a few days, it is a sign that the illness is caused by airborne irritants or by viruses, in which case no medical treatment is required. However, if you experience an aggravation of bronchitis symptoms, you should see a doctor right away.

A healthy diet and exercise program are also recommended for easing symptoms of bronchitis.

Regular aerobic exercise is helpful in expanding lung capacity and assisting in breathing. Walking is a great low impact exercise for those suffering from bronchitis. In addition, breathing exercises can be helpful. Learning how to take slow, deep breaths will help strengthen the muscles and relax the patient.

For acute bronchitis it is recommended to stay away from dairy foods as this will increase the amount of sputum generated, complicating symptoms. Instead, use cayenne pepper, garlic and chicken stock as they are all mucus clearing foods.

Use aromatherapy. Eucalyptus will help soothe irritated lungs and help regulate clearer breathing. Warm compresses or hot showers can also clear mucus and help steady breathing.

If you are one of these lung sufferers, you can visit the online links to get free tips on how to avoid and get rid of the factors that trigger asthma and bronchial cough inside of your home.

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